Shoppers are heading out to stores today. Many went shopping overnight to seize those Black Friday bargains. But are the deals really unbeatable?

STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:

No. Not according to an analysis by pricing research firm Decide Incorporated and The Wall Street Journal. They found that many products with so-called doorbuster deals had deals that were available at even lower prices at other times of the year - even at the same retailer.

WERTHEIMER: For example, the department store Sears advertised a mixer on sale for Black Friday at only $319.99. But researchers found the same item was $20 cheaper back in March.

INSKEEP: They found more examples at Target, Home Depot and Best Buy, among others. So while many products are steeply discounted, it may not be the best deal ever.

WERTHEIMER: Analysts say it's always good to check prices. And that's the business news on MORNING EDITION from NPR News. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright National Public Radio.